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Around 1 million people travel to Ireland from North America each year, making the United States, along with the United Kingdom, Germany and France, one of the Irish tourism industry’s “big four.” Whether you’re traveling with your own computer or relying on finding Internet access once you arrive, it’s easy to stay connected during your time in Ireland.

Wi-Fi Hot Spots

More and more Irish businesses are installing Wi-Fi for customer use, although this is much more widespread in cities like Dublin and Cork than it is in rural areas. Many coffee shops, hotel bars and some public transportation centers also host Wi-Fi hot spots. In many cases, access is free for customers -- for example, in many coffee shops you’ll only have to pay for your drink -- but in some hotels you might be charged. It’s even possible to connect while you travel: National bus company Bus Eireann launched free Wi-Fi for passengers traveling on intercity routes in summer 2012, and Wi-Fi hot spots make it possible to use the Internet on most Irish trains.

Public Internet Access

Using an Internet café is another way to stay connected during your vacation in Ireland. Dublin-based chain Net House runs nine cafes across the city and another in Cork, offering low-cost Internet use. Independent Internet cafes also operate in many towns -- use the Golden Pages’ online search to find the café closest to you. You can also access the Internet at some tourist information offices and public libraries.

Practicalities

If you plan to bring your U.S.-purchased computer to Ireland, remember to bring a travel adaptor. The electricity supply in Ireland runs on 230 volts, using a three-pin plug, whereas the U.S. supply operates on 120 volts via a two-pin plug. Check whether your computer is designed to operate at dual voltage: If it is, you’ll see something similar to “120/240v, 50/60Hz” on the information plate. If you see this, you can use it in Ireland with a plug adapter, but if not, you’ll need both an adapter and power transformer.

Considerations

Petty crime in tourist areas in Ireland is high, warns the State Department, so if you’re using your own computer in a public place in Ireland, remain aware of your surroundings. This is particularly true in the areas around major tourist attractions, where bag-snatchings sometimes take place. Exercise caution when using your computer, and if you feel an area is risky, keep the computer out of sight and move on.

About the Author

Rita Kennedy is a writer and researcher based in the United Kingdom. She began writing in 2002 and her work has appeared in several academic journals including "Memory Studies," the "Journal of Historical Geography" and the "Local Historian." She holds a Ph.D. in history and an honours degree in geography from the University of Ulster.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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